Signaling device



Apr. 24, 1923. 1,452,737

4 F. M. HILL v SIGNALING DEVICE Filed Oct. l, 1917v 3 Sheets-Sheet l 'il n llumnnlllll Y x 1l mnu I gy Mw K (M. 5127??74/ 6 Apr. 24, 1923. 1,452,737

i F. M. HILL SIGNALING DEVICE Fi1ed oct. 1, 1917 3 sheets-sheet@ 3,5 ZZ ZR! 41- ig? "J5- a o m14 27l gig illH

#27766@ rob l Apr. 24,1923.

F. M. HILL SIGNALING'DEVICE lFiled Oct. l, 1917 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 l/ll VVIIYUVY lllllll d/0560615? Z I W e z @Mw Patented -pr. 24, 1923.

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FREDERICK M. HILL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

SIGNALING- DEVICE.

Application vtiled October 1, 1917. Serial No. 194,122.

To aN yw hom t may concern:

Be it' known that I, FREDERICK M. HILL, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State 5 of Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in a Signaling Device, of which the following is a specification.

This invention `relates to signaling devices, and is especially adapted for railway 10 crossings or other intersections of rights of ne of the objects of the invention is to give a signal in a positive manner when a car or train is approaching a place to be l5 guarded, and to positively retire the signal from view when there is no danger. Another object is to insure the giving of the danger signal in case the signal mechanism or any part of therelated system gets out of order or becomes abnormal for any reason whatever.

Another object is to provide improved signaling mechanism adapted to serve the purposes stated, and to meet the various requirements for successful operation.

These and other objects are accomplished by providing, in a device of the class described, a signal member mounted for a turn- .ing movement, whereby it is retired from and returned to signaling position, and an oscillating or waving movement by which to emphasize the warning of danger; the said turningmovement serving to retire the signal when there is nodanger by presenting its edge to View, and to present the face of the signal to view to indicate danger; the last-named position being assumed whether or not the signal is waving, so that if the system is out of order as the result of an @0 interruption of power supply or becomes inoperative from any other cause, the rotary v or turning movement will have taken place and put the signal in danger position. In the preferred embodiment, the turning and wav- 45 ing functions are adapted to take place without interfering one with 'the other, the mounting for securing the turning movenient being carried by the mounting which imparts the waving movement; said movements being developed by independent means.

The invention is illustrated in lthe accompanying drawings, in which Figure l is a front elevation of the complete signal, parts being in section.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the signal operating mechanism.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken in the planes of the irregular lines-4 4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a diagram of the electrical connections and Figure 6 is a perspective view of one form of armature.

The various novel features of my invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings, and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

l() represents a signal member adapted to assume, by turning movement, either of 'two positions, namely a lower position shown in full lines in Figure 1 with its face presented to view, and an upper position shown by dotted lines in said figure with its edge presented to view. This signal member is provided with a vertically extending stem 11 through which projects a pin 12 which eX- tends outwardly through oppositely arranged slots 13 in a relatively stationary casing 14. These slots 13 are curved or in the form of vedge presented to the highway. Similarly,`

when the signal member is lowered from its dotted line position to its full line position, as shown in Figure 1, it will be turned back through the same predetermined angle into signaling position, and will present its face Vcams so that Awhen the signal lever 10 is raised from its lower full line position, as

to highway traffic and indicate danger. The lower and upper ends of the slot 13 have their walls arranged vertically for a short distance to form a lock with respect tothe pin 12 to prevent the signal member 10 from being turned by the action of the wind or other extraneous influence, and thus provide an effective means for locking the signal member in either of its two positions.

The casing 14 is supported by a pintle 14a, and constitutes a swinging arm, the same being a pendulous arm in the preferred embodiment illustrated, and through this casing or arm oscillatory signalling movement is imparted to the signal member. To develop this oscillatory movement, the pintle 14 is provided with a rock arm 15, one end of which' is connected by a link 16 to the 'crank 18 of the gear wheel 17. Crank 18 is shorter than the rock arm so that rotary motion of the crank develops oscillatory motion in t-he rock arm, pintle, casing, and signal member, and causes the signal member to emphasize its warning by wig-Wag motion in addition to presentation of its face to view. It will be seen that means for moving thel signal member on its axis to change its presentation and the means for developing the wig-wag motion are independent and distinct in that neither interferes with the other. In other words, the signal member can be dropped to danger position even though the means for developing the wig-Wag movement became disarranged, and the fact that an operative connection for rotating the signal on its axis extends through the casing through which the signal is wig-wagged does not interfere with the latter function.

The gear 17 is driven by a small pinion 19 on one end of a shaft 20 which carries upon its other end a larger gear wheel 21 which is in mesh with a second small pinion 22 on the shaft 23 of elect-ric motor 24:. This train of gearing permits a relatively small motor to be used and to run at eiiicient speed without developing too rapid a wig-wavging motion, and also renders the motor suflicient to raise the signal member and overcome the resistance of its rotating mechanism, and this multiplication of power and reduction of speed in the`driving train, particularly when reinforced by the load imposed by the oscillating crank 18, rock arm 15, and wigwag casing 14, effectually resists counterrevolution of the shaft when the motor is deenergized, as will-be hereinafter explained.

Normally the motor is not in mot-ion, andy signal 10 remains stationary and in its elevated position when there is no danger to be announced. However, if danger develops, for instance, if a car approaches the crossing, the circuit of motor 24 is closed, as hereinafter explained. whereby signal member 1() will receive a Wig-Wag motion through mechanism just described, after having been ro'- tated to visible position by means which will `now be described.

Connected with the crank 18 is a shaft 25 upon which is loosely mounted a sheave 26, around which passes a flexible member 27 connected to stem 11 of the signal member 10, and thereby adapting the signal member to be raised or lowered by rotation of the shaft 25. Fixedly related to sheave 26, and therefore adapted to drive the same but free from direct driving connection with shaft 25, is a drum 27 that has incorporated within it a winding 28 that develops electro-magnetism in the metal of the drum.

At the opposite end of the drum 27, and secured to the shaft 25 in a manner to be driven by said shaft, is a collar 38 carrying a radially extending arm or rod 37. Loosely mounted on the collar 38 between the arm 37 and the drum 27 is a disk 29 which serves as the armature for the magnetic drum 27. This armature is provided with a projection 39 which lies in the path of movementof the arm 37 and is sufficiently long to be engaged by said arm when the armature 29 is drawn to the magnet. Rotation of shaft 25 by motor 241 during the attraction of armature 29 to drum 27 causes the said drum to rotate, and with it the sheave 26 to wind the flexible connector 27 and raise and simultaneously rotate the signal member 1l). Deenergizing of the magnet of drum 27 permits the armature 29 to become free from the drum'27 and sheave 26 so that the signal member 10 can gravitate and rotate to its lower signaling position. Drum 27 and armature 29 therefore constitute a clutch. For reasons already explained, the resistance of the shaft 25 to counter-revolution is too great eren when the motor 24 is deenergized, to permit the signal member to gravitate to signaling position hence. the signaling niember remains elevated so long as the armature 29 is attracted to the magnetic drum 27. Sur rounding the drum 27 are a series of electrical ring conductors that enter into controlling circuits. Of these, the central ring 34 is interrupted by insulation at 34a. Cooperating with this central ring are brushes or contact fingers 35, 36 (Figures 1 and 5) connected in motor circuit as shown in Figure The relation of the brushes and 36 and the ring -l with its insulated portion 34a is such that when the drum 27 has reached the position in which the signal member 10 is up, the circuit to the motor is broken.

ln the schematic view of Figure which shows an arrangement of circuits which may be used in connection with the subject-matter of the present invention. A. l5. represent a section of railway track having its local source of current C. D, E. represent tp'o conductors from a suitable source of electrical power. Connected across the rails of sections A, B, and in circuit with 'line E. So long the source C is a magnet of relay 3.1, whose armature 32 and contact 33 are in circuit with line D, drum magnet 28 and as there is no car upon the rails of -sectlon A, B, to short circuit magnet 30, the circuit' remains closed at 32, 33,l magnet 28 remains energized, armature 29 is attracted, and the signal member three positions are as follows: 4mal 10.is held elevated. But as soon as a car enters the section A, B, the circuit of magnet -28 is opened by deenergizing of relay. 31

and the signal automatically drops and assumes signaling position. Likewise in circuit with the conductors D and E is the motor-24 through contacts 35, 36 and ring `34 on drum 27. So long as the drum is in position to hold the si al member 10 elevated, insulation 34a lligure 3) is under brush 36 and motor 24 is deenergized and the signal remains inoperative. But as soon as, relay 31 is short circuited by the presence of a car on section A, B, and drum 27 is permitted to rotate to drop the signal, the circuit of motor 24 is completed by ring 34 and contacts 35 and 36, and the wigwag motion proceeds continuously until the train leaves the section and relay 31 becomes reenergized and closes the circuit of magnet 28. As soon as this is accomplished rotation, which is being imparted to shaft 35 of the motor 24, revolves the drum 27 lto retire the signal member until the signal member reaches its limit of retirement from signaling position, 'When`the insulation 34a will have arrived beneaththe contact 36, and the motor will be arrested.

Any disarrangement of parts which leaves thedrum 27 free to rotate will drop the signal member to danger position regardlessof whether the circuits are such as to follow the drop with the wig-Wag movement. The structure illustrated and described covers what is known in the signaling art as a three-position signal. The

(1) the norposition, in which the cable 27 holds thesignal member 10 up out of conspicious position, (2) in which the electromagnetic winding 28 allows the signal member 10 to drop to a conspicuous position and in which the motor 24 communicates a wig-Wag motion to said signal member 10'; and (3) the .inoperative position in which the electrical circuits are de-energized, as for example by an accident in which the-signal member 1() is moved by gravity to a conspicuous position and will warn passers by but will have no wig-Wag motion.

' It is to be understood that there may be various modifications of the invention herein particularly shown and described, and it `is my intention to cover all such modifications which do not impart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. l

I claim:

1. In a waving signal, a signal devlce having an oscillating support on which 1t is mounted and through which it receives a continuing waving movement to express a signal, said signal having a connection with 'said support through which it moves independently of its signaling movement, to and from signaling position on said support.

2. Iny a waving signal, a signal device having a Swingin arm through which it receives an osci latory-signaling movement, and a rotary connection with said yswinging arm through which it receives movement independently of the oscillatory movement to and from signaling position upon said arm.

3. In a wavin signal, a signal device having a pendulous supporting arm through which it receives oscillatory signaling movement, and a connection through which it rotates about the longitudinal axis of the arm, to'and from signaling position on said arm and independently of the signaling movement thereof.

4. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it' receives oscillatory signaling movement, with a longitudinal movement on said arm in the direction of the axis thereof, and a connection translating such longitudinal movement into rotation to and from signaling position thereon. p

5. In a waving signal, asignal device, a pendulous arm having a pivotal bearing and supporting the signal device and imparting oscillatory signaling movement thereto, said signal device having sliding movement on said-arm and a connection therewith developing rotation of the signal device from said sliding movement, and means imparting such sliding movement independently of the signaling movement.

6. In a waving signal, a signal device, a pendulous arm having a pivotal bearing and supportingl the signal device and imparting oscillatory signaling movement thereto, said signal device having sliding movement on said arm and a connection therewith developing rotation of the signal device .from said sliding movement, and means imparting such sliding movement independently of the signaling movement; said last-named means comprising a flexible connector extending longitudinally of the arm, past the pivot bearing thereof.

7. In a waving signal, a signal device, a pendulous arm having a pivotal bearing and supporting the signal device and imparting Cil the signaling movement; said last-named means comprising a flexible connector eX- tending longitudinally of the arm, past the pivot bearing thereof, and a Winding sheave for said connector.

8. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it receives oscillatory signaling movement,`with a longitudinal movementon said arm in the direction of the axis thereof,A and a connection translating such longitudinal movement into rotation to and from signaling position thereon; said last-named connection comprising telescoping members carried, respectively, by the signal device and arm, and a cam-slot and pin carried by the respective telescoping members.

9. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it receives an oscillatory signaling movement, a rotary connection with said swinging arm through which it receives movement independently of the oscillatory movement to and fromsignaling position upon said arm, and means for imparting the respective movements, comprising a crank shaft linked to said arm, a winding element mounted on said crank shaft, and a flexible connector between said winding element and the signal device.

10. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it receives an oscillatory signaling movement, a rotary connection with said swinging arm through which it receives movement independently of the oscillatory movement to and from signaling position upon said arm, and means for imparting the respective movements, comprising a crank shaft linked to said arm, a winding element mounted on said crank shaft, a flexible connector between said winding element and the signal device, an electric motor for said crank shaft, and an `electric clutch establishing driving .Connection between said' crank shaft and winding element. y

11. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it receives an oscillatory signaling movement, a rotary connection with said swinging arm through which it receives movement independently of the oscillatory movement to and.l from signaling position upon said arm, and means for imparting the respective movements, comprising a crank shaft linked to said arm, a winding element mounted on said crank shaft, a flexible connector between said winding element and the signal device,

an electric motor for said crank shaftand an electric clutch establishing driving connection between said crank shaft and winding element; said motor driving the crank shaft through power increasing and speed reducing gear, whereby .unwinding load exerted by the signal device through the winding elementupon the crank shaft is reduced in transmission back to the motor and resisted thereby.

12. In a waving signal, a signal device having a swinging arm through which it receives an oscillatory signaling movement, a rotary connection with said swinging arm through which it receives movement independently of the oscillatory movement to and from signaling position upon said arm and means for impartingl .the respectiv movements, comprising a crank shaft linked to said arm, a winding element mounted on said crank shaft, a exibllel connector between said winding element and the signal device, an electric motor-for said crank shaft, and an electric clutch establishing driving connection between said crank shaft and winding element; the circuit of the motor being controlled by the winding element, and thecircuitof the electric clutch for the winding lelement being controlled by the condition to be signaled.

13. A railway signal of the class described, including, in combination, a signal element, supporting means therefor, connections between said supporting means and said element by means of which the action 0f gravity tends to cause said element to assume a position to indicate danger, electrical controlling means for said signal element, said controlling means including means for permitting said signal element to assume a sition to indicate danger in the event of failure of said controlling means, and means for transmitting wig-Wag motion to said Signal element when said signal element is in danger position.

14. A railway signal of the .class described, including, in combination, a signal element, supporting means therefor, connections between said supporting means and said signal element by means of which the action of gravity will cause said element to rotate'to cause said signal element to indicate danger, motive means for operating said signal in opposition to gravity, and electrical controlling means for said signal element, said electrical controllingV means including means for permitting said signal to move to a position to indicate danger in the event of failure of said electrical controlling means, and means for transmitting wig-Wag motion to said signal element when said signal element is in danger position.

15. Ina railway device of the class described, the combination of a rotatable signal, supporting means therefor, the face of which signal is turned from view to indicate safety and which is presented to view to indicate danger, connections between said supporting means and said signal by means of which the action of gravity will cause Said signal to rotate to cause said signal to indicate danger, motive means for rotating said signal in opposition Ato the force oi` gravity to a position to indicate safety, and eletrical cont-rolling means for said signal, said-electrical controlling means including means for permitting said signal element to move to a position to indicate danger in the event of failure of Said electrical controlling means, and means for transmitting wig-Wag motion to Said signal ele-ment when said si nal element is in danger position.

16. n signal apparatus, in combination, a gravity responsive signal member, power means, and connecting means including speed reduction gearing between said power means and said signal member whereby said power means may raise said signal member against the force of gravity and rotate same about its axis, -said connecting means including mechanism by means of which said power means may communicate wigwag movement to said signal member, said connecting means including electromagnetic clutch means through which sai-d powen' means may raise said signal member, said gearing being non-reversiblewhereby said signal member is held in raised position while said clutch means is energized.

17. A railway signal of the class described including, in combination, a signal element, supporting means therefor, o'onnections between said supporting means and said element by means of which the action of gravity tends to cause said element to rotate to assume a position to indicate danger, electrical controlling means for said signal element, said controlling means including means for permitting said signal ele-ment to assume a position to indicate danger in the event of failure of said controlling means, and means for transmitting wig-Wag motion to said signal element when said signal element is in danger position.

18. A railway signal of the class described,

. including, in combination, a signal element,

' tracting movement to said signal element,

said o erating means including electromagutch means and gearing ywhereby the power means may raise said signal member, said gearing being non-reversible' whereby said Signal member is held in raised osition while the clutchmeans is energized.

19. A railway signal of the class described, including, in combination, a signal element, a motor, connections between said motor and said element including a clutch member and gearing, and means cooperating with said gearing and said signal ele- 20. A railway signal of the class de-` scribed, including, in combination,a signal' element, a support for said element, and

means cooperating with said support for communicating motion to said element ax'- ially of said support and rotatable relative thereto, controlling means for said motion communicating means, said controlling means including means for permitting said signal element to move to a position to indicate danger in the event of failure of said controlling means, and means for communicating wig-waff motion to said support.

21. In signal apparatus, in combination, a signal member, a longitudinal support therefor, power means for raising said signal member against the force of gravity axially of said support and, in co-operation with said support, communicatinga turning movement to said member about the axis of said support, said power means including a motor 'and connecting means between said motor and said signal member, connections by which said power means may communicate attention attracting movement to said sig-- nal member, said connecting means including ,electromagnetic clutchmeans and gearl ing whereby said power means may raise said signal member, said gearing being nonreversible whereby -said signal member is held in raise-d position while said clutch means is energized.

22. In signal apparatus, in combination, a signal member, a longitudinal support therefor, power'means for raising said signal member against the force of gravity axialllyr of said support and, in co-operation wit said support, communicating a turning movement to said member about the axis of said support, said power means including a motor and connecting means between said motor and said signal member, connections by which said power means may communicate attention attracting movement to said signal member, said connectingmeansincluding clutch means and gearing whereby said power means may raise said signal member by means of said connections, said gearing being non-reversible whereby said signal member is held in raised position while said clutch means is operative, said apparatus including electro-magnetic means for holding said clutch means in clutchin position,

23. In signal apparatus, a signa member, power means, said power means including a motor and connecting means between said motor and said signal member for communieating a wig-Wag motion to said signal me1n ber or for raising said signal member against the force of gravity, said power means also including a clutch between said motor and said signal member, and electromagnetic means for holding said clutch in clutching position to hold said signal mem- 10 ber in raised position when said motor is deenergized and to permit said signal member to drop by gravity when said electromagnetic means vis (le-energized, and controlling' means for said signal member to cause said signal member to have a turning movement about a vertical axis to a conspicuous position when said signal member drops.

Signed at city of Chicago, State of Illinois, this 27th day of September, A. D. 1917.

FREDERICK M. HILL. 

